49ers-Texans: Viewer’s guide

Here’s a run down of what to look for on offense Saturday night against the visiting Texans in the 49ers’ third exhibition. Coach Jim Harbaugh is going to emphasize evaluation in this game with the first cut looming on Tuesday. Typically, teams get prolonged looks at their starters in the third game. Harbaugh has chosen to go more with an emphasis on shaping his final rosters by looking at players who are fighting for spots. Position battles also need assessing.

What is Jim Harbaugh really thinking about Colin Kaepernick?

QUARTERBACK: Does anyone really know what Harbaugh is thinking? It appears that Alex Smith will be the season-opening starter, however rookie Colin Kaepernick will get some snaps with the first team in this penultimate preseason game. Kaepernick threw with precision against Oakland last Saturday night completing six of eight passes for 52 yards with one of his incompletions thrown away purposefully to avoid a sack. Most of Kaepernick’s throws came off a quarterback drop, which is something he rarely did in college. He also threw several passes to the sidelines and from the far hash. He the has arm to do it, however those passes can be highly risky. Most of Alex Smith’s interceptions seem to be sideline throws, including his one pick against the Raiders. Josh McCown could get some snaps late in the game. He might need to show something in order to justify the coaches keeping three quarterbacks. Personally, I don’t see how they can keep just two, particularly with a rookie as the backup.

RUNNING BACK: With a meeting on money scheduled for Monday between Frank Gore’s people and the 49ers’ people, look for backups to get plenty of work particularly with the first team. Everyone rushed for a bundle of yards against the run-defense poor Raiders. But can they do the same thing against Houston? Boobie Dixon anticipates that the second-string running back job will be deeply evaluated by coaches with rookie Kendall Hunter, free agent Xavier Omon and himself contending. If Dixon, Hunter and Omon again post big numbers, will that have a bearing on what the team offers Gore?

OFFENSIVE LINE: Anthony Davis struggled in the first two games with penalties and sacks yielded. He was one of the leaders in both categories last year. Alex Boone has gotten some turns with the first team at right tackle and he will likely get more Saturday night. With a fine performance, Boone could insert himself into the starting right-tackle discussion. Center is also keenly contested between Jonathan Goodwin and Adam Snyder, who is making it difficult for coaches to declare the more highly-paid and more experienced Goodwin the starter. If Snyder doesn’t figure as the starting center, he will push Chilo Rachal at guard in a contest between Weight Watchers success stories. Both have lost over 25 pounds over the past two seasons. Whoever wins gets a week’s worth of meals absolutely free.

WIDE RECEIVER: A clear leader has emerged in the Wes Welker receiver category. The 49ers brought in about six training camp candidates for the small-quick-slot receiver role and second-year player Kyle Williams does something in every practice and game to prove he should be the guy. Williams made a leaping grab of a Kaepernick pass against the Raiders and had a determined run after catch in New Orleans. Williams could get some turns with the first team. Braylon Edwards is still listed behind Ted Ginn Jr. on the depth chart, but don’t expect that to last. Joshua Morgan and Ginn could prolong Michael Crabtree’s rehabilitation from a foot injury by making a play or two, particularly with Harbaugh’s statement that football players get better by playing football. Dominique Zeigler needs to make up some time with his recent activation from rehabilitating his knee.

TIGHT END: Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker and Konrad “Novacek” Reuland seems way ahead as the third option. Can anyone else step up?